Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer

Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer at WSP in Africa

This role involves contributing to innovative projects and delivering high-quality engineering solutions in the area of overhead line design.

• Technical Leadership
• Lead all tower spotting and line profiling activities for OHL projects using PLS-Suite (PLSCADD, POLE).
• Define optimum tower positions considering clearances, spans, conductor sags, terrain, and servitude constraints.
• Ensure alignment of spotting outputs with electrical, structural, and civil requirements.
• Drive compliance with Eskom guidelines, SANS 10280, BS EN 50341, and international OHL design standards.
• Lead and manage independently OHL projects (local and international) – 132 kV to 765 kV.
• Design Management – prepare, check, and approve line profiles, stringing charts, and plan‑and‑profile drawings.
• Manage inputs from survey data, LiDAR/DEM, and topographical models into PLS-CADD.
• Evaluate alternative line routes and tower configurations for cost, constructability, and environmental impact.
• Ensure spotting outputs are coordinated with foundation locations and access road planning.
• Full design packages (FEED, CONCEPTUAL, DETAILED and EXECUTION READY) – 132 kV – 765 kV.
• Proficiency – excellent with PLSCADD Suite.
• Quality & Compliance – maintain accuracy of spotting and profiling models, ensuring correct application of clearance rules and safety codes.
• Conduct peer reviews and internal audits of PLS-CADD outputs.
• Champion continuous improvement of tower spotting standards, workflows, and digital datasets.
• Project Delivery – provide tower spotting inputs for feasibility studies, detailed design, and construction planning.
• Support construction teams with staking sheets, tower schedules, and setting‑out data.
• Resolve site issues related to terrain discrepancies, clearance adjustments, or route deviations.
• Contribute to BOQs, material take‑offs, and project cost estimates.
• Mentorship & Team Development – mentor junior engineers and designers in PLS-CADD modelling, tower spotting logic, and clearance verification.
• Build team capacity in LiDAR integration, terrain modelling, and advanced spotting methodologies.
• Review outputs from junior staff, providing technical coaching and QA feedback.
• Team player – foster a collaborative work environment.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement – present spotting methodologies, clearance compliance, and route optimization studies to clients.
• Provide technical input for tender submissions, proposals, and client workshops.
• Act as the PLS-CADD subject matter expert in multidisciplinary design review sessions.
• Strong client relationships and team culture.
• International travel and local travel when required.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Professional Services